Luke 13:10-17
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
In our last meditation, Jesus used a parable to make a point about how God’s people are meant to produce the shalom fruit of God’s Kingdom. Read Luke 13:10-17 with this in mind.
God didn’t establish the law so people would have difficult hoops to jump through in an attempt to appease God. God’s laws were given because God is compassionate toward people and desires good for them.
Take Sabbath rest. It is not just a rule; it’s a need that’s woven into the DNA of people. In the creation narrative, God rested on the seventh day, and as beings created in the image of God, humans were designed with a need for rest. But the synagogue leader and the rest of the religious leaders present in this story are so focused on keeping the rules surrounding Sabbath that they have lost sight of the heart of God’s law.
Stop to contemplate the compassionate nature of God. How does it strike you that God isn’t interesting in being appeased?
Now meditate on these words from the author of the letter to the Hebrews for a moment:
“…let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” – Hebrew 4:16
Read Luke 13:10-17 again.
There’s a good chance the synagogue leader didn’t even notice the woman in this story. She had two strikes against her – her gender and her physical condition. Most people would probably go out of their way to avoid seeing her. But Jesus sees with the eyes of God. And God’s compassion compels Jesus to immediately bring about Kingdom restoration in her body and soul.
God’s essence is love, and because we were created in God’s image, we were created to love. To move through the world without compassion is to act against our very design.
As you near the end of this time of reflection, think about any people or groups of people that you might be avoiding in one way or another. Consider asking Jesus how he is inviting you to see differently. Then listen to him.
What is Jesus saying to you today?
What will you do about that?
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